As a Largs resident and motorhome owner, I read with dismay, a recent article regarding motorhome parking on the Isle of Cumbrae.

Over the years we have spent many happy weekends visiting the island, generally off season, when I would have thought our 'spend' in local shops and businesses would have been welcome .

The suggestion that the island should consider the introduction of TRO`s (Traffic Regulation Order) on the island is simply absurd as this can be a costly process and who will enforce them.

The other suggestion of imposing a levy on motorhomes just seems to be a short sighted short term petty cash grab.

With regard to Angela McCallum's follow up letter and request for suggestions, she may wish to consider some of the following.

I think the Community Council and NAC need to be a bit more pragmatic in their approach to the issue and take a look at how other communities deal with the subject.

In the Western Isles, Highland Council in conjunction with Calmac have provided motorhome service areas at 3 of the their ferry terminals, where motorhome users visiting the islands can fill with fresh water, empty waste water and dispose of chemical waste, Free of charge.

Let's face it Calmac are quick enough to take the ferry fare, but accept no responsibility for the provision of services for vehicles they have just transported to the island.

Also the European model should be looked at, where almost every little rural village (in excess of 4000 in France alone) provides similar facilities, to encourage visitors to stop in their community, because they recognise the long term economic benefits of providing such facilities.

If the islands fragile economy is to be sustained, they should be looking to promote one of the fastest growing sectors of the leisure industry in the UK and not resort to narrow minded protectionism.

Norrie Bradshaw

Largs